About Gangtok

Gangtok Tour Guide

Gangtok in India is the capital city and the most crowded city of the northeast Indian Himalayan state Sikkim. Gangtok is one of the most popular, beautiful and clean cities in India. Mt. Khanchenndzonga, the third-highest peak in the world, is visible from Gangtok City on a clear day. Being situated at an altitude of 5410 feet from sea level, soothing weather you can embrace in this city from March to November. A very busy and importaant road in Gangtok is Gangtok mg marg or Gangtok mg road.

How to Reach Gangtok

By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Gangtok. The distance from Bagdogra to Gangtok is about 123 kilometres by road and takes more or less 4 and a half hours to reach.

Pakyong Airport is the nearest to Gangtok, but it is not accessible from all the cities.

By Rail: NJP or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, is the nearest railway station to Gangtok. From NJP to Gangtok, it is about 118 kilometres by car and takes more or less 4 and a half hours to reach.

By Road:
From Siliguri: The distance from Siliguri to Gangtok is approximately 114 kilometers, with a journey time of around 4-5 hours via the NH10 route.
From Darjeeling: A scenic route from Darjeeling to Gangtok covers around 95 kilometers and offers breathtaking views, making the drive worthwhile.

Places to visit in Sikkim Gangtok

Enchey Monastery: Enchey Monastery, situated on the northeast side of Gangtok city, is one of the most admired and significant monasteries in Gangtok city. It is almost 115 years old. Being situated within the city, this monastery generally is included in the local city tour of Gangtok.

Ganesh Tok Gangtok: Ganesh Tok is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Ganesha. Being situated on a hilltop, this temple offers a magnificent valley view from here.

Hanuman Tok Gangtok: Hanuman Tok is a Hindu Temple, dedicated to the Hindu monkey god Lord Hanuman. It is a neat and clean temple with a mesmerizing view.

Himalayan Zoological Park: Himalayan Zoological Park, Situated in Gangtok, is a good zoo in a natural set-up and involves a lot of walking to explore. Leopards, cat leopards, red pandas, vultures, deers etc can be seen over there.

Tashi Viewpoint: Tashi Viewpoint is the only viewpoint in Gangtok from where Mt. Khanchendzonga is visible in a clear sky. You need to climb up 120 stairs to reach this viewpoint.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a museum and library to reserve and promote Tibetian religion, history, language, art and culture. It is named after the 11th Chogyal (king) of Sikkim Sir Tashi Namgyal.

Do-drul Chorten : Do-drul Chorten is a white Buddhist temple located in Gangtok.

Tsomgo Lake: Tsomgo Lake, popularly known as Chhangu Lake, is a natural lake, situated about 40 kilometres from Gangtok city. This lake is one of the most admired lakes, fed by a glacier. The Tsomgo Lake trip is a one-day trip from Gangtok along with New Baba Mandir.

Baba Mandir: Baba Mandir is a memorial for Harbhajan Singh, an ex-Indian army, who contributed to the 1972 Indo-Chinese war with his life. It is about 54 kilometres from Gangtok and can be covered within the same sightseeing day of Tsomgo Lake.

Gangtok Ropeway: This is an adventurous ride basically for fun-loving and adrenaline-repleted individuals.

Weather

Month-wise Temperature (Average)

• January: 4°C – 12°C (Cold with clear mornings)
• February: 6°C – 15°C (Pleasant and stable weather)
• March: 9°C – 18°C (Fresh greenery begins)
• April: 12°C – 20°C (Comfortable and bright)
• May: 15°C – 22°C (Best weather for travel)
• June: 18°C – 24°C (Mild with rain starting)
• July: 19°C – 23°C (Heavy rainfall and clouds)
• August: 19°C – 23°C (Wet and misty)
• September: 18°C – 22°C (Rain reduces gradually)
• October: 12°C – 20°C (Clear skies and sharp views)
• November: 8°C – 18°C (Cool and crisp)
• December: 5°C – 14°C (Cold and calm)

 Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Gangtok is from March to May and October to November, when the weather stays clear and the city opens up to the mountains. From viewpoints and terraces, you can see Kanchenjunga rising behind the city on clear mornings. Unlike quiet villages, Gangtok blends busy streets like MG Marg with cable car rides, monasteries, and nearby viewpoints. Monsoon brings heavy rain and low visibility, while winters stay cold but quieter.

Best For

couples, family, bachelors, elderly citizens